One11 Chophouse is the latest addition to the burgeoning culinary scene in St. John’s. Occupying suite one hundred and eleven in the historic Murray Premises (hence the name), they specialize in in-house dry-aged top cuts of beef, Australian Wagyu, fresh oysters and seafood, and a top-notch wine list. I had the pleasure of joining Executive Chef Kenny Pittman and General Manager Grant Fowler for a taste of St. John’s newest premier Chophouse.

The roar of the engine cuts out and everything is silent. I hold my breath and scan the waters for a sign of life. Suddenly a glistening black and white tail flicks up and into view. “Go! Go! Go!” screams the Skipper and I plunge into the icy waters. As I swim I look through my mask into the deep and see a giant directly below me – there’s no turning back now, I’m swimming with humpbacks.

The journey to Woodstock Colonial Restaurant is an experience in itself. Located in Paradise, a picturesque town just twenty minutes outside of St. John's, the drive offers dazzling panoramas of Conception Bay that beg you to pull over and take it all in. The Woodstock Colonial has long been heralded as one of the premier fine dining experiences in the greater St. John's area. While the establishment itself dates back to 1927, the general area has welcomed hungry travellers since the 1800's!

A love of the ocean and its natural surroundings led owners (and brothers) Joe and Loyola O'Brien to offer guided tours of the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve aboard their refurbished fishing vessel the Rob and Rand. Operating under the name Bird Island Charters in 1985, they were the first boat-touring company to operate out of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. Their great service, emphasis on safety, and unique brand of entertainment quickly attracted a growing number of visitors. They soon added two 46-foot passenger vessels, the Atlantic Puffin and Atlantic Whaler, to give visitors an even more comfortable tour. This year marks their 30th anniversary and I was thrilled to join in on the celebrations! Atlantic Puffins, Humpback Whales, seabirds, icebergs, sea stacks, caves and a geyser are just some of the sights you can see during one of their daily boat tours - I couldn't wait to get on the water.

It was one of those perfect summer days: the sun was shining, the birds chirping, and there wasn't a breath of wind. "We're going to Ferryland!" I exclaimed - my partner in crime and photographer was happy to oblige. Founded by Lord Baltimore in 1621, Ferryland is not only one of the most historic communities in Newfoundland, but in all of North America. Not a history buff? That's okay, Ferryland boasts some of the best coastal views in all of Newfoundland.

"There are a million reasons to visit St. John’s – we want YOU to help us narrow it down to the TOP 5!"

We asked our locals to be ambassadors to the rest of the world! What are the very best reasons to visit our colourful city? Is it our food? The fresh ocean air? The people? Here within, five notable choices:

Nestled in woodland above the village of Open Hall in Eastern Newfoundland, Eagles Cliffe Cottages provide luxury accommodations with a breathtaking view of the islands and waters of Bonavista Bay. Known for their outstanding hospitality and coastal scenery of outport Newfoundland, Eagles Cliffe Cottages is excited to expand it's wheelhouse by offering two new unique experiences.

When you’re blessed with over 29,000 kilometres of coastline that twist and turn in every way imaginable, as well as rocks that protrude through the surface of the shore in the most precarious of positions – it makes sense that you may need some way of navigating vessels through what can sometimes be a labyrinth of stone.

I have a confession to make. I’ve lived here my whole life — a place that is filled with icebergs — I’ve never once gone in search of them. And, it’s not like you need to go very far in order to find them. I know. I know. You’re thinking to yourself “Dave, what is wrong with you?” Truth be told, I have a really comfortable couch.

A day spent on the water is a quintessential experience when travelling to Newfoundland & Labrador. Set sail from St. John's harbour and witness the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, 12,000 year old icebergs and elegant seabirds feeding in our coastal waters. Iceberg Quest’s award winning tour has been departing from St. John’s and Twillingate showcasing Newfoundland’s unique charm for over a decade. I sat down down with Captain Barry Rogers for an unforgettable hour as he regaled me with tales of his childhood on the water, the beginnings of Iceberg Quest and a sneak peek of some of their new product offerings for 2014.

I had the absolute pleasure of spending the day with Maurice Fitzgerald of Far East Photography Tours. It was the day after a major snowstorm, there was a fresh dusting of snow, and the city looked beautiful. A Far East Photography Tour will allow you to see St. John's and surrounding areas through the lens of your camera! A tour will take you to the must see historic sites and landmarks in and around the capital.

If your travels take you to St. John’s in the winter then prepare to be surprised. The city offers an array of options to explore the outdoors, enjoy the dramatic coastline or take in a game of one of Canada’s favourite winter sports– AHL hockey. You should plan on arriving early and staying late!

As a major traveller I have stayed at everything from a hut in the jungle in Thailand to an invitation only palace in Italy. My stay at The Inn at Happy Adventure in Newfoundland was one of the most amazing and memorable I have ever experienced.

People often ask me, "what are the must-dos in Newfoundland & Labrador?". In a province as vast and unique as this, you can imagine that it is not an easy question to answer. However, after a little bit of thought and deliberation, I have put together my own Top 10 list of the things every traveller should do on their vacation to Newfoundland & Labrador.

Gros Morne is an outdoor mecca for visitors with over 100km of trails, breathtaking vistas and world class experiences; however what adventures await when Mother Nature decides not to cooperate? Here are our choice picks for rainy day adventures throughout the park.